WASHINGTON, DC–The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reached settlements with two wireless phone makers that its Enforcement Bureau found were failing to comply with FCC requirements to provide the public with hearing aid-compatible mobile phones.
Under the consent decrees announced by the FCC on June 21, Airadigm Communications, dba Airfire Mobile, will make “a voluntary payment” of $260,000 to the federal treasury and TeleGuam Holdings, LLC, doing business as GTA TelGuam, will make “a voluntary payment” of $280,000.
The agreements require the two companies to implement robust compliance plans that include new operating procedures, comprehensive training of employees and agents, and periodic reporting requirements.
These settlements will directly affect hearing aid wearers in Wisconsin, where Airfire Mobile is based, and in the U.S. territory of Guam, home of GTA TeleGuam.
Robert H. Ratcliffe, acting chief of the FCC Enforcement Bureau, said, “The hearing aid compatibility rules have a real impact on real people. We urge carriers both large and small to review their wireless handset offerings and FCC filings to ensure that they are in compliance.”
The acting FCC chairwoman, Mignon Clyburn, noted, “Wireless technology is transforming the very fabric of our lives. We must continue to ensure that all Americans regardless of their hearing disability or where they live can enjoy the benefits these technologies have to offer.”
